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Looking for a permit? Find, apply for, and manage your permit
We are making changes to speed up permitting and reduce wait times. Learn more about the changes
Checklists and guides
Choose the checklists and guides that apply to your project, building type, and property's zoning.
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Development permit checklists
Commercial or industrial
- Change of use PDF file (206 KB)
- Childcare centre in an existing building PDF file (143 KB)
- Commercial and industrial buildings PDF file (200 KB)
- Farmers' markets PDF file (146 KB)
- Painted or inscribed murals PDF file (109 KB)
Residential
- Overheight fences, arbors, etc., in residential zones PDF file (28 KB)
- Addition and/or renovation to one family dwellings PDF file (205 KB)
- First Shaughnessy PDF file (277 KB)
- RA-1 district PDF file (192 KB)
- RS zones – single detached house or duplex - conditional approval PDF file (223 KB)
- RT zones PDF file (205 KB)
Mixed-use or multi-family
- Balcony enclosure on existing buildings PDF file 142 KB)
- Mixed-use or multiple-dwelling buildings PDF file (208 KB)
- Major development permit application checklist PDF file (200 KB)
Amendment to an issued development permit
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Building permit and development-building permit (combined) checklists and guides
Commercial or industrial
- Building Envelope Repairs PDF file (206 KB)
- Commercial Building New Construction Application Checklist PDF file (197 KB)
- Commercial Building Renovation Application Checklist PDF file (218 KB)
- Commercial tenant resource guides – Information for commercial tenants on relocation
- Demolition or Deconstruction Checklist PDF file (153 KB)
- Elevator Upgrade Application Checklist PDF file (288 KB)
- Field Review and Tenant Improvement Program (TIPS) - Minor Renovation PDF file (200 KB)
- Fire Alarm Installation or Upgrade Application Checklist PDF file (283 KB)
- K1 - Restaurant or Kitchen Exhaust Systems PDF file (320 KB)
- Outdoor patio seating (at grade, open, and uncovered) for an existing restaurant or retail limited food service
- Pre-loading Checklist PDF file (123 KB)
- Soil Remediation PDF file (135 KB)
- Retro-fits for Solar Hot Water Heating Systems in Multiple Dwellings and Commercial Buildings PDF file (150 KB)
Residential
One and two family dwellings
- Addition and/or Renovation to One Family Dwellings in RS Zones PDF file (178 KB)
- Building Envelope Repairs PDF file (206 KB)
- Decks (RS Zones) PDF file (49 KB)
- Demolition or Deconstruction Checklist PDF file (153 KB)
- Field Review-Minor Renovation PDF file (200 KB)
- Garages and Carports PDF file (1.5 MB)
- In-ground Swimming Pools PDF file (34 KB)
- Laneway Housing Application Checklist PDF file (212 KB)
- New Build Infill House PDF file (177 KB)
- Single Detached House or Duplex Application Submission Checklist PDF file (174 KB)
- Pre-loading Checklist PDF file (123 KB)
- Retro-fits for Solar Hot Water Heating Systems in Multiple Dwellings and Commercial Buildings PDF file (30 KB)
Multi-family
- Balcony Enclosures on Multi-family Buildings PDF file (200 KB)
- Building Envelope Repairs PDF file (124 KB)
- Demolition or Deconstruction Checklist PDF file (153 KB)
- Elevator Upgrade Application Checklist PDF file (288 KB)
- Field Review and Tenant Improvement Program [TIPS] - minor renovation PDF file (200 KB)
- Fire Alarm Installation or Upgrade Checklist PDF file (283 KB)
- In-ground Swimming Pools PDF file (34 KB)
- Multiple Conversion Dwelling Renovation Application Checklist PDF file (190 KB)
- Multi-unit Residential Building New Constructions Application Checklist PDF file (196 KB)
- Multi-unit Residential Building Renovation Application Checklist PDF file (214 KB)
- Pre-loading Checklist PDF file (123 KB)
- Retro-fits for Solar Hot Water Heating Systems in Multiple Dwellings and Commercial Buildings PDF file (150 KB)
How-to guides
Application forms
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Development permit forms
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Building permit and development-building permit (combined) forms
All buildings permits
- Building Permit Application form PDF file (197 KB)
- Building Permit Revision Application Form PDF file (128 KB)
- Development/building application form for single detached house or duplex, single detached house with secondary suite, and laneway houses PDF file (124 KB)
- Existing BC Hydro Transformers or High Voltage Conductors to Buildings Clearances Checklist PDF file (192 KB)
Commercial or industrial
- K2 - Kitchen Ventilation Details Checklist PDF file (212 KB)
- K3 - Commitment to not Create Grease-laden Cooking Vapours PDF file (237 KB)
Demolition
- Contractor Declaration for Demolition or Deconstruction PDF file (119 KB)
- Qualified Professional Declaration Form for Salvage and Abatement PDF file (129 KB)
- Rental Declaration Form PDF file (181 KB)
- Recycling and Reuse Plan for Deconstruction (green demolition and wood salvage) PDF file (71 KB)
Get more information: Demolition process and site profile requirement, and required forms for after abatement and/or recycling and reuse
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Other forms and resources
- Alternative solutions (AL) forms
- Address change
- Gas permit application PDF file (143 KB)
- Hazardous building materials report form PDF file (209 KB)
- Heritage density transfers
- Noise bylaw exception application PDF file (202 KB)
- Operational letter requirements PDF file (130 KB)
- Recycling and reuse compliance report PDF file (98 KB)
- Sign permits
Vancouver Building By-law forms
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2019 Vancouver Building By-law forms
For applications submitted ON/AFTER November 1, 2019
Letters of assurance
- Schedule A PDF file (555 KB)
- Schedule B PDF file (774 KB)
- Schedule C-A PDF file (418 KB)
- Schedule C-B PDF file (418 KB)
- Schedule C-D PDF file (444 KB)
- Schedule D PDF file (454 KB)
- Schedule E-1 - Owner's undertaking letter PDF file (519 KB)
- Schedule E-2 - Owner's and tenant's undertaking letter PDF file (619 KB)
Energy requirements for buildings, except low-rise (1-3 storey) residential
Energy requirements for low-rise (1-3 storey) residential buildings
- Processes and checklists for new buildings (Pre-permit checklist, GHG large home calculation)
- Processes and checklists for existing home renovations (Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal – REUP)
Other forms you may need
- Building permit data sheet (2019 Building By-law) Excel file (120 KB)
- FSR exclusion calculator for 1-family and 2-family dwellings Excel file (121 KB)
- Green buildings policy for rezonings checklist Excel file (54 KB)
- Hazardous building materials report form PDF file (209 KB)
- Qualified professional declaration form for salvage and abatement PDF file (129 KB)
- Structural concept review checklist PDF file (48 KB)
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2014 Vancouver Building By-law forms
For applications submitted BEFORE November 1, 2019
Letters of assurance
- Schedule A PDF file (150 KB)
- Schedule B PDF file (180 KB) - revision effective January 1, 2018
- Schedule C-A PDF file (120 KB) - revision effective January 1, 2018
- Schedule C-B PDF file (120 KB)
- Schedule D-1 PDF file (120 KB)
- Schedule D-2 PDF file (100 KB)
Energy requirements for buildings, except low-rise (1-3 storey) residential
Energy requirements for low-rise (1-3 storey) residential buildings
- Processes and checklists for new buildings (Pre-permit checklist, GHG large home calculation)
- Processes and checklists for existing home renovations (Renovation Energy Upgrade Proposal – REUP)
Other forms you may need
- Building permit data sheet (2014 Building Bylaw) Excel file (116 KB)
- Rental declaration form PDF file (1.7 MB)
- FSR exclusion calculator for 1-family and 2-family dwellings Excel file (121 KB)
- GHG Calculator for large homes Excel file (167 KB)
- Hazardous building materials report form PDF file (209 KB)
- New home energy checklists - low rise up to 3 storeys Excel file (328 KB)
- Qualified professional declaration form for salvage and abatement PDF file (129 KB)
- Structural concept review checklist PDF file (48 KB)
Energy checklists and ASHRAE supporting documents
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For applications submitted on/after June 3, 2019
Energy checklists
- Energy checklist exemption form PDF file (47 KB)
- Energy checklist for first tenant improvements Excel file (3 MB)
- Energy checklist for alterations to existing non-residential projects or base-building work to part 3 residential buildings Excel file (1.6 MB)
- Energy Requirements for Alteration Projects – on/after June 2019 - (information sheet) PDF file (171 KB)
Section 5 - Building Envelope
- Building envelope information sheet PDF file (182 KB)
- Building envelope compliance forms (part 1) PDF file (187 KB)
- Building envelope compliance forms (parts 1 and 2) PDF file (818 KB)
Section 6 - HVAC
- HVAC information sheet PDF file (345 KB)
- HVAC simplified approach option (part 1) PDF file (282 KB)
- HVAC mandatory provisions (part 2) PDF file (393 KB)
- HVAC mandatory provisions and prescriptive requirements (parts 2 and 3) PDF file (576 KB)
Section 7 - Service Water Heating
- Service water heating information sheet PDF file (87 KB)
- Service water heating compliance forms PDF file (440 KB)
- Sample - Service water heating (Electric) PDF file (440 KB)
- Sample - Service water heating (Gas) PDF file (437 KB)
Section 9 - Lighting
Lighting design can use either the Building Area Method or the Space by Space Method to demonstrate compliance with the bylaw. Complete either the PDF or the Excel version of the forms, available below.
If your trade permit application is associated with a building permit, the Lighting Compliance Forms may already have been completed and submitted as part of the building permit application. Make sure you indicate the associated building permit number in the applicable entry on your online application (POSSE).
All lighting projects
- Decide which method to use in your lighting design. If unsure, then review the information sheets provided or the PDF samples provided within each method below.
Important note If the lighting design includes Decorative and/or Display lighting, then only the Space by Space Method can be used.
- Choose whether you want to use the PDF forms or the Excel version of the forms to demonstrate lighting compliance.
- Complete the forms to accurately represent the lighting design and installation.
- Calculate the installed lighting power using the power of the luminaires, not the bulbs. Line-voltage track lighting is to be calculated using 30W per linear foot or power of all luminaires installed on the track – whichever is greater, or the power of the circuit breaker or the limiter – whichever is lower.
- Submit the completed Lighting Compliance Forms either in hardcopy format when applying in-person, or upload with your online trade permit application (POSSE).
Information sheets, tables, and samples
- Lighting information sheet PDF file (272 KB)
- Lighting Power Density Table (9.6.1) for Space by Space Method PDF file (288 KB)
Samples (Excel format)
- (Effective June 30, 2020) Sample Excel (Lab - 9.1.2 Exceptions, Space by Space Method) - Part 11 TI Excel file (1 MB)
- (Effective June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) Sample Excel (Lab - 9.1.2 Exceptions, Space by Space Method) - Part 11 TI Excel file (111 KB)
Samples (PDF format)
- Sample (Office - Base lighting only, Building Area Method) - Part 11 TI PDF file (879 KB)
- Sample (Retail - Base lighting only, Building Area Method) - Part 11 TI PDF file (882 KB)
- Sample (Office - Base lighting only, Space by Space Method) - Part 11 TI PDF file (631 KB)
- Sample (Retail - Base lighting only, Space by Space Method) - Part 11 TI PDF file (630 KB)
- Sample (Retails with D&D Lighting, Space by Space Method) - Part 11 TI PDF file (633 KB)
Compliance forms (PDF or Excel) and Attachment L
PDF
- Lighting compliance forms (Building Area Method) PDF file (890 KB)
- Lighting compliance forms (Space by Space Method) PDF file (656 KB)
Excel
- (Effective July 1, 2020) Lighting Compliance Document Excel file (1 MB)
- (Effective June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) Lighting Compliance Document Excel file (1 MB)
Attachment L
Section 11 - Energy Cost Budget
- Energy cost budget information sheet PDF file (143 KB)
- Energy cost budget modeling output PDF file (281 KB)
Appendix G – Appendix G Method
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For applications submitted from 2015 to June 2, 2019
Energy checklists
- Energy checklist exemption form PDF file (47 KB)
- Energy checklist for 90.1-2010 - first tenant improvements Excel file (3 MB)
- Energy checklist for 90.1-2010 - alterations to existing non-residential projects or base-building work to part 3 residential buildings Excel file (1.5 MB)
- Energy Requirements for Alteration Projects – 2015-2019 - (information sheet) PDF file (74 KB)
Section 5 - Building Envelope
- Building envelope information sheet PDF file (145 KB)
- Building envelope compliance forms (part 1) PDF file (117 KB)
- Building envelope compliance forms (parts 1 and 2) PDF file (1 MB)
Section 6 - HVAC
- HVAC information sheet PDF file (179 KB)
- HVAC simplified approach option (part 1)PDF file (110 KB)
- HVAC mandatory provisions (part 2) PDF file (122 KB)
- HVAC mandatory provisions and prescriptive requirements (parts 2 and 3) PDF file (343 KB)
Section 7 - Service Water Heating
- Service water heating information sheet PDF file (99 KB)
- Service water heating compliance forms PDF file (96 KB)
- Sample – Service water heating (Electric, Under 20 Gallons) PDF file (97 KB)
- Sample – Service water heating (Electric, Over 20 Gallons) PDF file (103 KB)
- Sample – Service water heating (Gas, Over 20 Gallons) PDF file (104 KB)
Section 9 - Lighting
Lighting design can use either the Building Area Method or the Space by Space Method to demonstrate compliance with the bylaw. Complete either the PDF or the Excel version of the forms, available below.
If your trade permit application is associated with a building permit, the Lighting Compliance Forms may already have been completed and submitted as part of the building permit application. Make sure you indicate the associated building permit number in the applicable entry on your online application (POSSE).
All lighting projects
- Decide which method to use in your lighting design. If unsure, then review the information sheets provided or the PDF samples provided within each method below.
Important note If the lighting design includes Decorative and/or Display lighting, then only the Space by Space Method can be used.
- Choose whether you want to use the PDF forms or the Excel version of the forms to demonstrate lighting compliance.
- Complete the forms to accurately represent the lighting design and installation.
- Calculate the installed lighting power using the power of the luminaires, not the bulbs. Line-voltage track lighting is to be calculated using 30W per linear foot or power of all luminaires installed on the track – whichever is greater, or the power of the circuit breaker or the limiter – whichever is lower.
- Submit the completed Lighting Compliance Forms either in hardcopy format when applying in-person, or upload with your online trade permit application (POSSE).
Information sheets and samples
- Lighting information sheet PDF file (197 KB)
- Lighting Controls (9.4.1) information sheetPDF file (180 KB)
- Sample (Detailed – All lighting types and methods) PDF file (460 KB)
- Sample (Office - Base lighting only, Building Area Method) – Part 11 TI PDF file (120 KB)
- Sample (Retail - Base lighting only, Building Area Method) – Part 11 TI PDF file (142KB)
- Sample (Office – Base lighting only, Space by Space Method) – Part 11 TI PDF file (150 KB)
- Sample (Retail - Base lighting only, Space by Space Method) – Part 11 TI PDF file (111 KB)
- Sample (Retail with D&D Lighting, Space by Space Method) – Part 11 TI PDF file (113 KB)
Compliance forms (PDF or Excel) and Attachment L
- Lighting compliance forms (Building Area Method) PDF file (320 KB)
- Lighting compliance forms (Space by Space Method) PDF file (346 KB)
- Lighting compliance documentation v1.02 Excel file (443 KB)
- Attachment L (inspection stage) PDF file (124 KB)
Section 11 - Energy Cost Budget
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Environmental forms and guidelines
Environmental site investigation and remediation on City streets
Test hole permits are required for any subsurface investigation on City streets and laneways. Street use permits are required for any remedial excavation on City streets.
Details on application requirements and City contacts: Test hole and street use permit guide PDF file (66 KB)
Erosion and sediment control
Building permits
Erosion and sediment control for large lot developments (Bulletin 2002-003-EV) PDF file (200 KB)
- For sites 1,000 m² or more, or that have an excavation depth 1 storey or more
- Building permit applications need an erosion and sediment control plan and monitoring report
Erosion and sediment control for small lot developments (Bulletin 2002-002-EV) PDF file (600 KB)
- For sites less than 1,000 m² and that have an excavation depth less than 1 storey
- Projects need to follow best management practices for erosion and sediment control
Site Disclosure Statements
To identify potentially contaminated sites the BC Ministry of Environment has implemented provisions in the Environmental Management Act and Contaminated Sites Regulations. Site Disclosure Statements must be submitted with applications for rezoning, subdivision, and development or building permits (excluding demolition) where soil disturbance is likely to occur.
Construction related by-laws
Construction and renovation work is regulated by local by-laws and guidelines, and provincial regulations.
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Municipal bylaws and guidelines
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Provincial regulations
- Asbestos-handling guidelines, Worksafe BC External website, opens in new tab
- Contaminated sites regulation, BC Ministry of Environment External website, opens in new tab
- Electrical safety regulation, BC Safety Authority External website, opens in new tab
- Gas Safety Regulation, BC Safety Authority External website, opens in new tab
Bulletins
We issue bulletins and advisories to interpret building, electrical, and trades bylaws, and to explain building, technical, and administrative regulations and processes.
Important note Some bulletins are under more than one section because they apply to multiple bylaws.
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Administration (AD)
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Building (BU)
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Electrical (EL)
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Environmental (EV)
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Fire (FI)
Number and date Title 2022-05
Issued December 7, 2022Integrated testing of fire and life safety systems PDF file (260 KB) 2017-003
Issued April 12, 2017Construction fire safety plans PDF file (803 KB) -
Gas (GA)
Number and date Title 2010-002
Revised July 29, 2010Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer PDF file (53 KB) 2001-009
Issued April 19, 2007Gas permits PDF file (53 KB) -
Plumbing (PL)
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Sprinkler (SP)
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Withdrawn bulletins
Listed alphabetically by bulletin title.
Number Title 2000-026-EL Applications for electrical permits to do electrical work in hazardous locations 2008-008-EL Application of rule 76-016 in conjunction with implementation of “Assured Grounding Program” on a construction site 2002-009-EL Arc-fault protection - rule 26-724(f) and (g) of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 2011-005-BU/AD ASHRAE 90.1 - 2007 (Building permit documentation requirements) 2001-003-BU/EL Audible system devices in dwelling units 2008-002-BU/EL Automatic emergency recall of elevators 2003-003-EL Bonding of a metal water piping system installed in a building (re: rule 10-406(2) of the CEC, part 1) 2008-003-BU Building Bylaw amendments for green homes 2001-016-AD/BU Building Bylaw enquiries and requests for interpretation 2003-010-BU Building Bylaw guidelines for fire fighting provisions 2012-003-AD/BU Building permit data sheet 2001-006-BU Certified professional program - new permit process 2003-007-BU Certified professional program - new permit process 2001-015-BU Change of use requirements for language and business schools 2007-008-EL Clarification of rule 14-406 of the 20th edition of the CEC adopted for use in BC 2007-002-EL Clarification of rule 2-306 in the 20th edition of the CE Code adopted for use in BC 2007-001-EL Clarification of rule 30-308(4) of the 20th edition of the CEC adopted for use in BC 2008-001-BU/EL Clarification of the application of section 24 of the CE Code, Part 1 2007-007-BU/EL Clarification of the VBBL requirements for carbon monoxide alarms 2015-002-EL Clearances from existing BC Hydro high voltage overhead conductors and transformers 2003-016-EL Clearances from the existing BC Hydro high voltage overhead conductors and transformers 2001-004-BU/EL Criteria for electro-magnetic lock equivalencies 2007-010-EL Disconnecting means and overcurrent protection for a fire pump 2016-006-BU/EL Electric vehicle charging for buildings - load management 2011-002-BU/EL Electric vehicle charging infrastructure for multi-family dwellings 2004-001-EL/BU Electrical supervision of fire alarm system devices and signal to a central station and fire department 2015-004-BU/EL Electrical vehicle charging for buildings 2000-009-BU Elevator lobby access to exits 2006-003-BU/SP Exposure protection for exits and exit routes 2008-009-AD/BU Flood proofing policies 2009-006-AD/BU Generic alternative solutions for the 2010 Winter Games 2004-011-BU Green building products 2003-001-AD/BU Guidelines for seismic evaluation of one- and two-family dwellings 2000-044-EL Ground fault protection of heat-tracing cables for pipe and soil heating, ice or snow melting on roofs or concrete or asphalt surfaces, and similar applications other than space heating 2000-048-EL Information required for an electrical permit when a portable unit substation is used 2007-009-AD Inspection services carried out by others during labour dispute 2005-005-EL Installation of additional 240 V appliance branch circuits in dwelling units 2003-002-EL Installation of service entrance optical fibre cable in a building 2009-011-AD Installation of temporary tents over existing permitted patio seating and temporary tents on City property during the Olympic Games period 2004-013-BU Insulated concrete form (ICF) applications 2010-001-AD Licensing and inspection services during 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2000-028-EL Location of consumer's service conductors and consumer's service equipment (Canadian Electric Code rules 6-208 and 6-206) 2004-009-EL Location of panelboards in buildings 2004-010-EL Locking devices for electrical disconnecting means 2000-013-BU Locks on egress and exit doors (with emphasis on electromechanical and electromagnetic hardware) 2008-004-BU New energy utilization requirements for part 3 buildings 2003-012-AD New rates for the Vancouver Development Cost Levy 2004-007-BU/EL/PL New “suite ready” one-family dwellings 2004-005-BU New upgrade triggers for existing buildings 2006-001-BU Next edition of the Vancouver Building Bylaw and use of 2005 National Building Code for generic equivalencies 2000-042-BU/EL Panelboards and circuits in dwellings with secondary suites or lock-off units 2001-012-BU Parking spaces for persons with disablities 2004-002-EL Permits for temporary power service connection 2009-010-AD Permitting for temporary structures related to the Olympic Games 2000-035-EL/SP Power supply requirements for electrical components of sprinkler systems installed in attached family dwellings (such as triplex, fourplex, and row housing) 2000-016-EL/PL/SP Protection of standpipes and sprinkler piping against freezing 2000-031-EL/SP Pumps for sprinkler systems in buildings sprinklered to NFPA 13D 2007-004-BU Rain screen design for one- and two-family dwellings 2009-007-EL Requirement of rules 26-710(f), 26-712(b), and 26-712(d) of the Canadian Electric Code, Part I 2015-003-BU Requirement to provide a supplementary drain shower for a single bathroom in a dwelling unit 2000-027-EL Requirements for bar counter receptacles in one- and two-family dwellings and temporary power for electrical installations 2003-009-BU/EL Requirements for verification of fire alarm systems 2007-003-EL Requirements of the supply authority (BC Hydro) in regulated work 2000-025-EL Residential sump pumps 2001-001-EV Residential underground storage tank removal 2001-002-AD Revised request for minor relaxations and equivalency forms 2002-010-BU Revision to the Vancouver Building Bylaw 2000-006-BU/PL Roof drainage system for detached accessory building 2003-005-BU Safety glass In part 9 buildings 2004-006-BU/EL Secondary suites in existing one-family dwellings 2001-011-BU Seismic design of one and two-family dwellings 2004-014-BU Seismic restraint of non-structural components 2004-012-BU Sheathing inspections for one- and two-family buildings 2000-019-BU/EL Signals to fire department via fire alarm signal transmitting unit from protected premises to fire signal receiving centre in conformance with CAN/ULC-S561 2004-004-BU Spray-in-place thermal insulation 2001-014-SP Sprinkler advisory - Voluntary sprinkler replacement of “o”-ring style sprinklers 2012-002-BU/AD Sprinkler permit data sheet 2014-008-BU The use of spray foam insulation in lieu of venting roof spaces 2004-008-BU Update of the Energy Utilization Bylaw 2003-006-BU Upgrading of one- and two-family dwellings 2017-004-BU Use of unvented roof and deck assemblies 2014-009-BU Vancouver's 2014 Building Bylaw (online version is now available) 2003-015-BU VBBL changes to balcony sprinklers 2000-021-BU/EL Verification of fire alarm systems 2006-004-BU/EL Voluntary upgrade of existing fire alarm systems in buildings 2003-011-BU Washrooms in mercantile, limited food retail and restaurants 2002-005-BU/SP Zoning standpipe systems 2000-013 Locks on egress and exit doors (with emphasis on electromechanical and electromagnetic hardware)